SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients, while the government has established two State Cancer Institutes and expanded screening and treatment services across the Union Territory, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Itoo was responding to a question raised by MLA Mir Saifullah regarding the establishment of a cancer hospital. Saifullah sought details of the number of cancer patients, existing treatment facilities and measures to make cancer care more accessible and affordable.
Saifullah referred to 2024 figures that put the number of cancer patients in JK at around 71,000, including more than 50,000 in Kashmir, and sought details of measures being taken to address the disease burden.
In her response, Itoo said the number of cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir was around 51,000. She stressed the importance of early diagnosis, noting that many cases had previously been detected only after reaching advanced stages.
The minister said the Health Department was taking cancer screening closer to communities, including at the doorstep level, to facilitate early detection and enable timely treatment.
The government has established two State Cancer Institutes, one at SKIMS Soura and another at Government Medical College Jammu, with financial and technical support from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
The institutes are intended to provide comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment and allied oncology services, and cater to major treatment requirements across J&K.
According to the written response of the Health and Medical Education Department, cancer incidence has been rising globally, with a similar trend observed in Jammu and Kashmir. Gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers account for a significant share of reported malignancies.
The government has also constituted an Apex Committee to guide and formulate measures concerning cancer prevention, screening and treatment. The Director of SKIMS has been designated as its Nodal Officer.
Itoo said the government was strengthening infrastructure, equipment, manpower and specialised treatment facilities at SKIMS and Government Medical Colleges. Treatment is being planned according to the type and stage of cancer and individual patient requirements, she said.
On financial assistance, the government said eligible cancer patients can receive cashless or free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at empanelled government and private healthcare institutions, subject to eligibility conditions, prescribed treatment packages and applicable guidelines.
The minister said BPL and AAY beneficiaries are provided cancer medicines free of cost, while eligible patients can also access treatment and medicine-related benefits under Ayushman Bharat.
Poor and needy cancer patients requiring additional financial assistance can also receive support under the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP), subject to eligibility, guidelines and availability of funds.
Itoo further said cervical cancer vaccination has been started in J&K and that the government was particularly concerned about breast cancer and other major cancers.
She said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also held meetings concerning cancer and treatment facilities. The government would consider suggestions from legislators aimed at further strengthening cancer care in the Union Territory, she added.
The minister also stressed that addressing cancer required participation beyond the government, calling for wider involvement in prevention, early detection and awareness efforts.
The government said the measures were intended to improve timely access to appropriate cancer treatment and reduce the financial burden on eligible patients and their families.
